Boxer Dogs - Popular Dogs
The first Boxer dogs are thought to date back to the 1830s in Germany where a German Bullenbeisser was crossed with an early form of the English bulldog. Like its ancestor the German Bullenbeisser the Boxer was initially used as a working dog on cattle farms. In the early 1900s the Boxer was introduced to America where it was formally recognised by the American Kennel Club.
Boxers make great family pets. They are very loving dogs and are intensely loyal to their owners. They are also very protective of both the people they care for and their property. While this is in general a good attribute adult males can develop an overprotective and dominating attitude which may cause problems in a household, especially if there are other dogs present. Boxers tend to be mistrustful of strangers and will defend their family against any opponent.
Boxers are very playful dogs regardless of their age. They never seem to loose their huge amount of energy and as such need a great deal of attention. Their excessive playfulness may be a bit much for toddlers and smaller children however they are a very safe breed and can be trusted if left in the company of children. If Boxers are integrated into a household from puppyhood they tend to mix well with other pets however adult dogs may try to assert their dominance if they join a family later in life.
Because of their energy levels Boxers need a great deal of attention and exercise. They are not the kind of dog that can be left alone for long periods of time in the house. A bored or neglected boxer dog will quickly become destructive and this can result in household damage when coupled with their energetic nature and their tendency to jump. Boxers benefit from long walks or active play sessions in the park but some exercise should be done on a daily basis.
Training must start at a very early age in order to be able to control the dog as an adult. Boxers need a strong-willed owner who will treat them with a firm but loving hand because the breed is known for its stubborn streak.
The boxer’s coat is short-haired and is easily groomed with a firm brush. Their skin is covered with natural protective oils and so bathing should only occur when absolutely necessary. The boxer dog washes and grooms himself very much like a cat does and is thus a very clean breed to have in the house although they do tend to drool and snore! A healthy boxer dog will live to approximately 13 years of age but many have been known to live much longer than this.